A clay tile roof is one of the most beautiful and desired options for homeowners in Florida searching for a durable, yet distinctive roof for their homes.

Offering many advantages when skillfully installed by an experienced clay tile roof contractor, this roofing option is suitable for many homes; however, there are some important details to know about clay tiles.

Read on to learn why Florida tile roofing contractors generally recommend clay tile for many roofs and a few times when they don’t!

Why Are Clay Tile Roofs So Popular In Florida?

Among all the roofing materials that Florida homeowners can choose from, none is more loved and appreciated than beautiful clay tile.

Available from professional tile roofers in a wide selection of shapes, styles, and colors, there is just something about clay tile that appeals to many homeowners, especially those owning hacienda-style or more traditionally-styled homes.

Clay tile roofing can transform the appearance of any home, making it stand out in a neighborhood full of asphalt shingles or add to the appeal of a neighborhood of similarly-designed homes.

Owners of commercial buildings often hire clay tile roof contractors as well to enhance the appearance of professional and retail buildings to make them more visually appealing.

Why Should Florida Homeowners Choose Clay Tile Roofs?

While there is no mistaking the impressive beauty of clay tile, roofing contractors also see their Florida customers benefiting from many other qualities as well:

High Energy Efficiency - Clay is a thermal-resistant material that creates highly energy-efficient roofing materials for homes and buildings in hot climates. The tiles absorb and hold heat, preventing its passage into the building below, only releasing the heat again once outside temperatures drop. Buildings with clay roofs are considerably cooler, with lower utility bills.
Extreme Wind Resistance - When properly installed by an experienced tile roof contractor, thick and sturdy clay tiles are one of the most wind-resistant roofing installations that can withstand even hurricane-force winds. This makes it an ideal roofing system in Florida, which experiences frequent tropical storms and hurricanes.
Fireproof - Clay tile roofing is also resistant to fire, another quality that makes it an ideal material in climates that experience high temperatures throughout the year.

When Do Clay Tile Roofers Advise Not To Use This Material?

As beneficial and appealing as clay tile roofing is in many cases, tile roofing contractors do recognize a few limitations that make it unsuitable for certain roofs:

Heavy Weight - Clay tiles are very heavy in comparison to many other roofing materials. Noting this, tile roofers must carefully determine the load-bearing ability of the roofing support structure of the home or building and whether it is strong enough to support a tile roof. Roofs that require additional support must be improved before the tile can be safely installed.
Breakable - As durable and wind-resistant as clay tile may be, its impact resistance is somewhat reduced. These tiles can end up cracked or broken due to impacts received during severe weather. Broken tiles must be carefully replaced by an experienced tile roof contractor to restore the roof installation.

Use Clay Tile Roofing When Benefits Outweigh Drawbacks

When deciding whether or not to purchase clay tile roofing, Florida home and building owners need to be aware of the few disadvantages to choosing this material and weigh them against the many benefits.

Consulting with an experienced tile roofing contractor can help owners understand the risks they may face based on their property’s design as well as location and whether an investment in clay tile is worthwhile.

In most cases, that answer is yes!